In regards to Port 44, I enjoyed the place during the early part of the season... even though the games stunk, but that is another story. The bartenders were cool, the beer was good, and food was average. Then I remember the second month of the season they had a new chef who was making some great food, but he only lasted a week. The slowly but surely the rest if the great staff started leaving. Seemed like there were some management problems there. I continued to stop in once every few games since I enjoy a good beer, and the staff just went totally down hill. The new bar manager looked and acted like a total coke head, and the bartenders seemed to change on a weekly basis. I stopped going after one trip in Feb when the patrons turned from Devils fans and professionals to ghetto thugs. Its a shame too because i always parked right across the street from Port 44.

I think to make that place successful they obviously need some better bar food, but also need to serve some "regular" beer as well... I know a few of my buddies only like "regular" beers, so Port 44 was out of the running on days they came to games with me. They also need to be able to retain good staff. As I mentioned, they had some awesome bartenders when I first started going. Friendly, attentive, and it didn't hurt that a few of the females were pretty hot...lol... Oh and lastly they needed to fix the bathroom situation. In the main bar area they just had one unisex bathroom.

If only I had a few bucks, I think I could run an awesome bar near that arena... but to see that they are selling that business for 2.1 million shows me I will never be afforded the chance to give it a go and try to run a bar.

In regards to Port 44, I enjoyed the place during the early part of the season... even though the games stunk, but that is another story. The bartenders were cool, the beer was good, and food was average. Then I remember the second month of the season they had a new chef who was making some great food, but he only lasted a week. The slowly but surely the rest if the great staff started leaving. Seemed like there were some management problems there. I continued to stop in once every few games since I enjoy a good beer, and the staff just went totally down hill. The new bar manager looked and acted like a total coke head, and the bartenders seemed to change on a weekly basis. I stopped going after one trip in Feb when the patrons turned from Devils fans and professionals to ghetto thugs. Its a shame too because i always parked right across the street from Port 44.

I think to make that place successful they obviously need some better bar food, but also need to serve some "regular" beer as well... I know a few of my buddies only like "regular" beers, so Port 44 was out of the running on days they came to games with me. They also need to be able to retain good staff. As I mentioned, they had some awesome bartenders when I first started going. Friendly, attentive, and it didn't hurt that a few of the females were pretty hot...lol... Oh and lastly they needed to fix the bathroom situation. In the main bar area they just had one unisex bathroom.

If only I had a few bucks, I think I could run an awesome bar near that arena... but to see that they are selling that business for 2.1 million shows me I will never be afforded the chance to give it a go and try to run a bar.

What are the "regular" beers that you speak of? If you say something like Bud or Miller Lite or any of the national brands, then you completely lost me. It is a brew pub and they make their own beer. These places are great when you want to expand and try different styles and different variants and it is like getting a small work of art from the brewmaster. I do not know of any brewpub that I have been to (I have been most in NJ alone) that have beers other than their own. They usually have a lighter beer that satisfies those who are less adventurous and prefer the national brands style, but if you want "regular" beer this coming season you will have more options for that as the new places will be open by then.

When I went there for the first time (I am thinking it was in December) the beer was very good but the food was terrible. The service was average at best but I found it odd how the lower bar level (which is a lot smaller than it looks in the pictures on the website) was packed and when we asked if the upper level which had more seating was open, no one really knew. They said we could go up there and sit but it was dark and looked close and the staff just shrugged or just said they didn't know about the upstairs part.

That place needs a lot of work and it looks like the opening was rushed. I had a weird feeling too when I read that the place was opened by two guys who have never ran a restaurant before and in this economy where restaurants (already a risky venture) are failing left and right, it was a bad sign and possibly an omen.

Shame as I think that place has a ton of potential if it is run by someone who knows what they are doing.

What are the "regular" beers that you speak of? If you say something like Bud or Miller Lite or any of the national brands, then you completely lost me. It is a brew pub and they make their own beer. These places are great when you want to expand and try different styles and different variants and it is like getting a small work of art from the brewmaster. I do not know of any brewpub that I have been to (I have been most in NJ alone) that have beers other than their own. They usually have a lighter beer that satisfies those who are less adventurous and prefer the national brands style, but if you want "regular" beer this coming season you will have more options for that as the new places will be open by then.

When I went there for the first time (I am thinking it was in December) the beer was very good but the food was terrible. The service was average at best but I found it odd how the lower bar level (which is a lot smaller than it looks in the pictures on the website) was packed and when we asked if the upper level which had more seating was open, no one really knew. They said we could go up there and sit but it was dark and looked close and the staff just shrugged or just said they didn't know about the upstairs part.

That place needs a lot of work and it looks like the opening was rushed. I had a weird feeling too when I read that the place was opened by two guys who have never ran a restaurant before and in this economy where restaurants (already a risky venture) are failing left and right, it was a bad sign and possibly an omen.

Shame as I think that place has a ton of potential if it is run by someone who knows what they are doing.

I did mean beers like Bud/Miller/Coors/Corona... And as I mentioned in my post, i prefer the beers that they made over these brands, but since their main business is going to be fans going to sporting events/concerts, they also need to cater to the masses. You could lose out on a group of 4 people coming into your place because one of those four in not into "specialty" beers. So if you have the national brands on hand, those other 3 may try and enjoy your beer and be repeat customers. To operate in that area of Newark, you need to think differently then an actual brewpub in other areas in the state. For those brewpubs you specifically went to that place for the beer, but for Port 44 people where coming in for the events.

I did mean beers like Bud/Miller/Coors/Corona... And as I mentioned in my post, i prefer the beers that they made over these brands, but since their main business is going to be fans going to sporting events/concerts, they also need to cater to the masses. You could lose out on a group of 4 people coming into your place because one of those four in not into "specialty" beers. So if you have the national brands on hand, those other 3 may try and enjoy your beer and be repeat customers. To operate in that area of Newark, you need to think differently then an actual brewpub in other areas in the state. For those brewpubs you specifically went to that place for the beer, but for Port 44 people where coming in for the events.

There are already a good bunch of bars in the area that server regular beer and more that just opened up or about to open up. What is the point then of going to a bar a good two blocks away or so when there is the same beer at 2 bars just within stone's throw of the box office?

Triumph does pretty well in Princeton and especially in New Hope where there is plenty of competition. Harvest Moon also does well in NB and while they also serve regular beer, every time I have been there I cannot see a single person with a bud or miller in front of them at the bar or on the surrounding tables. Also the same can be said for JJ Bittings and that bar is usually packed when I am there and there are plenty of taverns and bars nearby.

I have a feeeling that if this place can have somewhat reasonable beer prices on event days then this will be the go to spot. Brick City is just too expensive. I go to Bellos for pre-game, but might do this place too.

And is it just me, or does every place that announces an opening, end up getting pushed back 2 - 6 months at least? I think this place was supposed to be open in July, so hopefully it will be before opening day.

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"I love working for New Jersey," Burns said. "They've been great to me. They've supported me. (General manager) Lou (Lamoriello) is a godsend for me because he's looked after me, and I know I can stay close to hockey."

I have a feeeling that if this place can have somewhat reasonable beer prices on event days then this will be the go to spot. Brick City is just too expensive. I go to Bellos for pre-game, but might do this place too.

And is it just me, or does every place that announces an opening, end up getting pushed back 2 - 6 months at least? I think this place was supposed to be open in July, so hopefully it will be before opening day.

I like Brick City too but I agree it is pricey for what it is and gets pretty cramped closer to game time.

I hope EAH will not have sky-high prices as well. Otherwise I will have to limit myself to the stuff in the Gateway tunnel.

Also, does anyone here also get annoyed that the place that is closer to Gateway plaza in the tunnel closes down at like 5:30-6 right when the crowds come? That place has good, cheap stuff and every time I pass them they are closing up even though I see many people looking in.

I don't think you are going to see massively different prices at anyone around the arena as they only have soo much capacity and they will look to cherry pick costomers that would otherwise not go much farther. I don't think this is any different than anyone else next to "tourist" spots. I think the you need to see more fill in on the other side of the buildings on Market and and that corridor can really pop and potetially run better specials on game nights to drive down prices. I was really dissapointed when the John's Pizzaria fell through as I would have liked to see them go on Market instead.

I don't think you are going to see massively different prices at anyone around the arena as they only have soo much capacity and they will look to cherry pick costomers that would otherwise not go much farther. I don't think this is any different than anyone else next to "tourist" spots. I think the you need to see more fill in on the other side of the buildings on Market and and that corridor can really pop and potetially run better specials on game nights to drive down prices. I was really dissapointed when the John's Pizzaria fell through as I would have liked to see them go on Market instead.

John's fell through? Well that sucks ass. I still like that deal at the place in the tunnel where you get 2 plain slices and a can of soda for 4.95. Cannot beat that!

If you don't mind walking like half a block out of the way on Market, Bello's has great cheap bar food and a huge beer selection. I love them pregame.

Definitely the biggest beer selection that I've certainly ever seen, but some of those beers (not the common ones that you could find in any other bar anyway) are a bit pricey per bottle.. Food was fantastic!! Perfect place to end a bar crawl (because you don't need to buy much beer at that point)

Definitely the biggest beer selection that I've certainly ever seen, but some of those beers (not the common ones that you could find in any other bar anyway) are a bit pricey per bottle.. Food was fantastic!! Perfect place to end a bar crawl (because you don't need to buy much beer at that point)

I love them pregame, mostly for the food. There are def cheaper beer places, but I'm willing to pay a little more for quality. Also, since I live in NY, every bar in Newark charges less than I'm used to paying.

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Sumus Legio
You don't turn this around in a couple shifts. Its going to take a little time, but I know the guys will come back. Because I can see it. -- Jacques Lemaire

Judging by their FB, it looks like EAH is open. Anyone been there yet? Want to know how it is.

I stopped by there on Saturday to grab a beer before the NY Liberty playoff game (free tix to STH)...

Location: It literally can't get better

Interior: Very nice interior! Mainly dark wood. The bar must have cost them a fortune to build. It just looks very very nice inside.

Beer: 20 beers on tap, as well as a wide variety of premium liquor and wines.. 19 beers consistently on tap, with 1 beer that they only buy a keg of and when it's gone, it's gone.. The tap variety is pretty diverse, ranging from PBR ($4) to Victory Golden Monkey ($7).. Definitely a wide selection that has something you'll definitely want

Food: I didn't order anything, but I looked at the menu and got to see what other people were eating.. It looks good and the other customers seemed happy with their meals.. They have a pretty standard selection including soups, salads, burgers, pizzas (they have a ton of pizzas including one called "Jersey Devil" which has sausage and hot peppers on it), sandwiches, and desserts.. I might have left something out but that's the general variety.. Everything looks like it's done with premium quality.. The pizza selection is huge and has a lot of great sounding topping.. The burgers also sound great!

Staff: Super friendly.. One of the bartenders came over to talk beer with us, and he knew his stuff

Price: lol.. Well the best way to describe this is to just say that it's priced for the location.. You want a fantastic meal and drinks while being a pucks throw away from the arena entrance? Well, it'll cost you.. From what I remember: Pizzas are around $16 for regular and $20 for large.. French onion soup is actually the best deal at $5, and would make a great quick meal if you're in a rush before a game.. Burgers are a whopping $12 for the basic and you have to pay $1 extra for cheese and premium toppings (it comes with LTO).. Can't remember anything else, but just keep in mind you are paying for the location as much as you are the quality

Overall: This place is awesome.. Great beer selection, sweet interior, good looking food, and friendly staff.. But it'll cost you, so I'll probably only come here when I'm in a rush to grab a French Onion and a beer before getting in to the arena for a game

I stopped by there on Saturday to grab a beer before the NY Liberty playoff game (free tix to STH)...

Location: It literally can't get better

Interior: Very nice interior! Mainly dark wood. The bar must have cost them a fortune to build. It just looks very very nice inside.

Beer: 20 beers on tap, as well as a wide variety of premium liquor and wines.. 19 beers consistently on tap, with 1 beer that they only buy a keg of and when it's gone, it's gone.. The tap variety is pretty diverse, ranging from PBR ($4) to Victory Golden Monkey ($7).. Definitely a wide selection that has something you'll definitely want

Food: I didn't order anything, but I looked at the menu and got to see what other people were eating.. It looks good and the other customers seemed happy with their meals.. They have a pretty standard selection including soups, salads, burgers, pizzas (they have a ton of pizzas including one called "Jersey Devil" which has sausage and hot peppers on it), sandwiches, and desserts.. I might have left something out but that's the general variety.. Everything looks like it's done with premium quality.. The pizza selection is huge and has a lot of great sounding topping.. The burgers also sound great!

Staff: Super friendly.. One of the bartenders came over to talk beer with us, and he knew his stuff

Price: lol.. Well the best way to describe this is to just say that it's priced for the location.. You want a fantastic meal and drinks while being a pucks throw away from the arena entrance? Well, it'll cost you.. From what I remember: Pizzas are around $16 for regular and $20 for large.. French onion soup is actually the best deal at $5, and would make a great quick meal if you're in a rush before a game.. Burgers are a whopping $12 for the basic and you have to pay $1 extra for cheese and premium toppings (it comes with LTO).. Can't remember anything else, but just keep in mind you are paying for the location as much as you are the quality

Overall: This place is awesome.. Great beer selection, sweet interior, good looking food, and friendly staff.. But it'll cost you, so I'll probably only come here when I'm in a rush to grab a French Onion and a beer before getting in to the arena for a game

Thanks for the review Colin.

It sounds like and judging from what I see, it is basically BCBG II, just with slightly better food.

It sounds like and judging from what I see, it is basically BCBG II, just with slightly better food.

Yeah they definitely seem pretty similar.. Hopefully competition forces their prices down, but it's probably wishful thinking (although it could mean price drops for the restaurants further from the arena as people may not look beyond what is right next to the Rock)

Yeah they definitely seem pretty similar.. Hopefully competition forces their prices down, but it's probably wishful thinking (although it could mean price drops for the restaurants further from the arena as people may not look beyond what is right next to the Rock)

I really think they need more of these fast-casual places like Uber Burger in the immediate area around the arena. That place makes great burgers and they cost less than $10. I think these would do better than high-end places as the local population can afford these better than the high-end restaurants and can provide revenue other than game-day crowds.

There were rumors that the Devils have moved the local food vendors out of the arena in favor of the crappy can-get-anywhere food of City Grill. However on their FB the Devils have announced that they have usually around 8-10 local vendors and it changes every year and they will still have Taste of Newark there.

However, there is a small rumor that Jimmy Buffs is out. Can anyone confirm this? If so, here is my reaction to that news: